Research on temperature distribution rule and influencing factors of integrated mechanized stope in potassium salt mine

Managing heat damage presents a significant challenge in deep mechanized stopes. Investigating and analyzing temperature distribution patterns and influential factors within the stope environment holds profound importance for enhancing thermal conditions. This study establishes a coupling model of convection and heat transfer, encompassing air flow, heat transfer, species transport and water evaporation. Additionally, a physical model is developed using the Integrated Mechanized Stope at the Laos Kaiyuan Mining potash salt mine as a representative case study. The accuracy of the numerical model is confirmed through comparison with measured data and numerical simulations. Results from numerical simulations indicate that heat dissipation from electromechanical equipment is the primary cause of stope temperature rise. In the stope stabilized airflow region, temperatures near the bottom plate are lower compared to those near the top plate, with an average temperature difference of 1.09 °C. Variation in key parameters reveals that stope temperature decreases with reduced initial airflow temperatures and surrounding rock temperatures, while it increases with diminished initial air volume. Variance analysis indicates the order of influence of key parameters on stope temperature, with initial airflow temperature exerting the greatest impact, followed by surrounding rock temperature and initial air volume. The optimal parameter scheme for controlling heat damage in the stope includes an initial airflow temperature of 22 °C, a surrounding rock temperature of 35 °C, and an initial air volume of 20 kg/s. It can reduce the average temperature of the stope's main working area to 26.21 °C. This study offers a theoretical foundation and practical reference for managing heat damage in underground mining Integrated Mechanized Stopes.